Methods and apparatus for mixing and dispensing multi-part compositions

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus are provided for mixing and dispensing multi-component compositions. The preferred embodiment utilizes a syringe barrel as a mixing chamber and for dispensing of the mixed components. A mixer element, preferable including a paddle member and finger grip means for rotating the paddle member, is provided for insertion into the syringe barrel to effect the desired mixing. A scraper element is used to scrape mixed components from the mixer element so as to retain the mixed components within the syringe barrel upon removal of the paddle member after mixing is completed. Mixing is preferably performed with the multiple components placed in side-by-side orientation within the syringe barrel rather than one on top of another.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/270,924,filed Jul. 5, 1994, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.08/117,217, filed Sep. 3, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,462, issued Jul.12, 1994.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for use in mixingand dispensing multi-component compositions such as dental cements orimpression materials. More particularly, the present invention isdirected to syringe mixing and dispensing methods and apparatus.

2. Background Information

Many modern formulations are packaged in two parts, often known as A andB components. Upon mixing, these A and B components typically undergo achemical reaction which causes the resultant composition to "set up" insome desired manner.

In the dental field, for example, several two-part formulationscurrently enjoy wide use. Glass ionomer cements and resinous luringcements are frequently used for applications such as securing dentalcaps in place. Dental impressions are made using A and B components.

In order to work properly, it is important that the A and B componentsof these two component systems be mixed together rapidly and thoroughlyand in the right proportions. Failure to mix rapidly can result in lossof valuable working time with the resultant composition, and can impactthe ability to obtain a thorough mix as the composition begins to set upunevenly. Failure to mix thoroughly can result in a composition havingless than optimum characteristics. For example, if a poorly mixedcomposition is used as a cement, it is possible that portions of thecement will fail to reach the chemical strength required for a long-termbond.

Problems of obtaining rapid and uniform mixing are often complicated bydifferences in the A and B components. Sometimes it is necessary to mixtwo liquids, while other times it is necessary to mix a powder with aliquid. Sometimes there are equal amounts of the A and B components, butother times there is more of one component than another. Sometimes thetwo components have similar viscosities, while at other times the twocomponents have widely differing viscosities.

The primary means employed for mixing A and B components has been simplemechanical mixing, such as by means of a mixing bowl or pad and a stirinstrument such as a spatula. This method tends to be somewhat messy andtime consuming. It is difficult at times to gauge whether the mixing hasbeen sufficiently thorough.

It is also difficult in some instances to prevent formation of small airbubbles in the mixed composition. During the mixing process itself, thestirring action of the spatula, or similar mixing instrument, introducesand causes air bubbles to be entrapped within the mixed composition.Further, most dental compositions are ultimately dispensed from asyringe in order to control the amount dispensed, to permit preciseplacement of the dental composition, and to prevent prematureevaporation of constituents of the composition. This generally requiresplacement of the mixed compositions into a syringe. Additional air canbecome entrained during this step. Entrained air bubbles are usuallydetrimental.

Further, the simple process of mixing the components on a pad or in abowl and then transferring them to a syringe takes time; this can lessenthe available working time to actually utilize the composition. It isnot uncommon for so much time to pass during the mixing andsyringe-loading steps that the mixed composition becomes effectivelyunusable.

In an effort to overcome the time delays and the mess inherent in theapproach set forth above involving mixing on a pad or in a bowl followedby loading into a syringe, attempts have been made to mix materialsdirectly from a syringe or from a caulking gun. These attempts haveinvolved the use of specially formed tips which effect some mixing asmaterial is dispensed from the syringe or caulking gun. Although usefulfrom the standpoint of minimizing the amount of time used to effect themixing of A and B components, incomplete mixing is common. Furthermore,the mixing tips utilized are frequently expensive, and are difficult toreuse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide improvedmethods and apparatus for mixing and dispensing multi-componentcompositions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide improved methodsand apparatus for mixing multi-component compositions that substantiallyprevent the entrainment of air bubbles in the mixed compositions.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide methods andapparatus for mixing multi-component compositions which effect rapid andthorough mixing.

A further object of the present invention is to provide syringeapparatus and associated methods for mixing multi-component compositionsand thereafter dispensing such mixed compositions.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forthhereinbelow in the detailed description, or will be appreciated by thepractice of the invention.

To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the inventionas embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention utilizesa syringe barrel as a mixing chamber and for dispensing of the mixedcomponents.

A mixer element, preferable comprised of a paddle member and a fingergrip means for rotating the paddle member, is provided for insertioninto the syringe barrel to effect the required mixing.

Mixing is preferably performed with the multiple components placed inside-by-side orientation within the syringe barrel rather than one ontop of another.

After mixing, the mixer element is removed and a plunger elementinserted for use in dispensing material from the syringe barrel inconventional fashion. A scraper element is used to scrape mixed materialfrom the paddle member in order to retain the material within thesyringe barrel upon removal of the mixer element.

In an alternative embodiment, the plunger is equipped with a detachablepiston. After mixing, the piston, which has a vent hole formed throughits center, is separately placed within the barrel and advanced up tothe mixed material. In this way, air is vented from within the barrelthrough the vent hole. Thereafter, the plunger element is inserted in amanner so as to seal the vent hole, and the syringe is then used todispense the material in conventional fashion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, which represent the best mode presentlycontemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a syringe assembly suitable for use inmixing and delivering a multi-part composition.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the syringe barrel component of thesyringe assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a presently preferred embodiment of amixer element used to effect mixing of multi-part compositions.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a multi-syringe device for use inintroducing two components of a two-part composition into a syringebarrel such as that shown in FIG. 2 for mixing in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one presently preferred embodiment of ascraper element for use with a mixer element following mixing.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the reverse side of the scraper elementof FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mixer element of FIG. 3 mountedtogether with the syringe barrel of FIG. 2 and the scraper element ofFIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the multi-syringe device of FIG. 4being received within the syringe barrel of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 8--8 of FIG. 7,showing in schematic form by the use of arrows one manner in whichmixing occurs.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a mixerelement.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a syringe barrel having a chevronshaped hole shown together with the mixer element of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a scraper element suitable for usewith the syringe barrel of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an end elevation view of the scraper element of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe syringe assembly.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the syringe assembly of FIG. 13,showing the manner by which the piston is advanced within the syringebarrel so as to vent air from contained within the barrel.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 15--15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the syringe assembly of FIG. 13,showing the interconnection of the syringe plunger and plunger pistonfor subsequent delivery of the mixed composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for mixingand dispensing multi-component compositions such as dental cements orimpression materials. More particularly, the present invention isdirected to a syringe mixing and dispensing system useful for rapid andcomplete mixing of multi-component compositions and subsequentdispensing of the mixed composition.

FIG. 1 illustrates a syringe assembly 10 useful for dispensingcompositions, such as dental cements and bonding materials in accordancewith the present invention. Syringe assembly 10 includes a syringebarrel 22 fitted with a plunger element 24 of conventional design fordelivery of material contained within the syringe barrel through a tip26. Tip 26 may be of any suitable design for use in particularapplications, but is shown as having a structure useful for dispensingdental compositions. Although the remainder of the discussion will bedirected to uses of the present invention for mixing and dispensingdental compositions, it should be understood that other materials may bemixed and dispensed using the methods and apparatus disclosed andclaimed herein.

FIG. 2 separately illustrates the syringe barrel 22 of FIG. 1. It ispreferred that syringe barrel 22 be provided with a hole 28, which actsas a means for venting air contained within the syringe barrel 22 whenplunger element 24 is inserted into the syringe barrel after mixing.When material contained within syringe barrel 22 is packed from thedischarge end, hole 28 should be located at a position substantiallylevel with the end which will be in contact with plunger element 24.Placing hole 28 higher along the length of syringe barrel 22 will resultin retaining air within the syringe barrel, possibly resulting inentrainment of air bubbles during use of syringe assembly 10 to dispensematerial. Placing hole 28 lower along the length of the syringe barrelwill result in leakage of material through the hole upon application ofpressure to plunger element 24 to dispense material from syringeassembly 10. Accordingly, it may be desirable to cut hole 28 at the timeof use in order to accommodate a particular volume of material desiredto be mixed and dispensed, or it may be desirable to provide previouslyprepared syringe barrels having holes in different locations marked withthe optimum volume of material with which it is to be used for mixingand dispensing. It is anticipated that syringe barrels will be providedtogether with the components of a multi-component composition to bemixed therein and dispensed therefrom, and hence will be provided with ahole 28 located at an optimal location.

An important feature of the present invention is the provision of mixingmeans for mixing material placed within syringe barrel 22. A presentlypreferred embodiment of mixing means is mixer element 30 illustrated inFIG. 3. Mixer element 30 includes an elongate paddle member 32 having alength substantially the same as that of syringe barrel 22 with which itwill be used. The width of paddle member 32 is preferably about the sameas the internal diameter of the syringe barrel so as to effect morecomplete mixing by scraping material from the wall of the syringe barrelso that it mixes with remaining material contained within the barrel.

Various configurations of paddle members can be used to effect mixing ofmaterial contained within the syringe barrel. As illustrated in FIG. 3,it is presently preferred that paddle member 32 be provided with aplurality of generally "D" shaped internal cutouts 32A from the body ofthe paddle member, and additional generally "D" shaped edge cutouts 32Bfrom the sides thereof. The use of cutouts 32A and 32B assist ingenerating turbulence as the paddle member is rotated, as discussedbelow. Although cutouts 32A and 32B are shown along the length of paddlemember 32, it should be understood that cutouts are used only in theregion where mixing occurs. Hence, if only a small volume is mixed, itmay be desirable to provide cutouts only near the end of the paddlemember.

Mixer element 30 is also advantageously provided with a finger gripmember 34 which serves as means for rotating the paddle member so as toeffect mixing of material contained within the syringe barrel.

It is frequently desirable to mix together various components ofmulti-component compositions, such as some dental cements and bondingmaterials. For purposes of brevity, the discussion contained hereinshall be principally directed to the use of two-component systems,sometimes referred to as A and B component systems. Nevertheless, itshould be understood that the methods and apparatus of the presentinvention will accommodate systems having more than two components.

The rotation of mixer element 30 within syringe barrel 22 has been foundto be quite effective in mixing A and B components rapidly andcompletely. It has been determined that the most effective mixing of theA and B components utilizing the apparatus of the invention isaccomplished by loading the two components side-by-side within thesyringe barrel rather than one on top of the other. Side-by-side loadingmay be advantageously performed by use of a two-syringe device 36 suchas that shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates the use of two syringebarrels 38A and 38B coupled together by clamps 40A, 40B and 40C. Theoutput ends of syringe barrels 38A and 38B are fitted with tips 42A and42B adapted at one end to secure to the syringe barrel and provided atthe other end with tubing members 44A and 44B, respectively. Collar 46is used to secure tubing members 44A and 44B together, with both tubingmembers terminating at the same position.

Prior to use, the syringe barrels 38A and 38B of FIG. 4 are filled withA and B components, respectively, of a two-component composition. Theoutput end of syringe barrel 22 is sealed with a cap, such as the cap 48illustrated in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7A, the output ends of tubingmembers 44A and 44B are inserted within syringe barrel 22 as far aspossible, so that material will be dispensed therefrom near the outputend of syringe barrel 22. Then, the two plungers 50A and 50B aresimultaneously depressed while slowly withdrawing tubing members 44A and44B from within syringe barrel 22. This results in placement of materialfrom each of syringe barrels 38A and 38B side-by-side within syringebarrel 22.

It should be understood that additional syringe barrels 38 andassociated elements could be added to the device of FIG. 4 in order toaccommodate more than two components. Further, the diameters of syringebarrels 38A and 38B could be altered as necessary to effect differingratios of A and B components. For example, if A and B components are tobe added in substantially equal amounts, both syringe barrels 38A and38B would be substantially identical. If, however, it were desired toadd two parts of A to one part of B, syringe barrel 38A should have across-sectional area twice that of syringe barrel 38B. It will beappreciated that other modifications could be made in the respectivesizes of syringe barrels 38A and 38B to accommodate other mixing ratios.Markings on the sides of syringe barrels 38A and 38B can be used tomeasure a desired volume to be introduced into syringe barrel 22, or onecould look at markings optionally provided on syringe barrel 22 or thelocation of hole 28 to measure the desired amount of the A and Bcomponents.

After the A and B components are loaded in side-by-side fashion withinsyringe barrel 22 using a method such as that discussed above, mixing isaccomplished by inserting mixer element 30 within syringe barrel 22,such as illustrated in FIG. 7.

A feature of the apparatus of the present invention is the provision ofscraper means for removing material from the surface of the paddlemember of mixer element 30 after mixing is completed. One presentlypreferred embodiment of suitable scraper means is scraper element 52,illustrated alone in FIGS. 5 and 6, and in combination with otherelements of the present invention in FIG. 8.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the underside of scraper element 52 ispreferably provided with a cylindrical plug member 52A adapted to fitsecurely within syringe barrel 22. A slot 52B is provided throughscraper element, having substantially the same dimensions as the widthand thickness of paddle member 32. Prior to use, the paddle member isinserted into slot 52B all the way to the finger grip member, and thecombination of the scraper element 52 and mixer element 30 is thensecured to syringe barrel 22, as illustrated in FIG. 7. It may bedesirable to provide scraper element 52 with a slit 52C and a notch 52Dto make easier the task of introducing and removing the paddle memberfrom slot 52B.

Mixing of material contained with syringe barrel 22 is accomplished byrotating mixer element 30. Scraper element 52 will rotate together withthe mixer element, making it possible to use the scraper element as themeans for rotating the paddle member and to omit the use of separatefinger grip member 34.

The provision of cutouts 32A and 32B generate turbulence as mixerelement 30 is rotated; such cutouts function as means for effectingturbulence within the syringe barrel in order to obtain more rapid andcomplete mixing. Such mixing can be accomplished with little or noentrainment of air bubbles. FIG. 8 illustrates in schematic form thegeneration of turbulence in response to rotation of paddle member 32.After mixing is complete, mixer element 30 is withdrawn from the syringebarrel while maintaining the scraper element in place. This serves tocontain material within syringe barrel 22. After removing the mixerelement, the scraper element may be removed and plunger element 24fitted in place for use in dispensing material from syringe barrel 22.Cap 48 may be removed and replaced with tip 26.

It is to be understood that alternative forms of the elements of theapparatus of the present invention may be made as long as the broadfunctions set forth above are preserved. For example, FIG. 9 illustratesan alternative embodiment of a mixer element 130. One of ordinary skillwill be able to envision many other workable alterations in light of theteachings herein.

Another presently preferred embodiment of the present invention whichdiffers in construction but not function from the discussion set forthabove is illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. FIG. 10 illustrates a syringebarrel 122 having a means for venting air contained within the syringebarrel which is comprised of a generally chevron-shaped hole 128. It isseen that paddle member 30 bisects the center of the chevron. A scraperelement 152 (FIGS. 11 and 12) is formed so as to include a pair ofprojecting fingers 152A and 152B adapted to pass through hole 128 andembrace paddle member 32. A knob 152C is used for grasping scraperelement 152 for placement of finger 152A and 152B through hole 128 andlater removal of the scraper member. Preferably, the outer ends offingers 152A and 152B are cut so as to fit snugly against the far wallof syringe barrel 122 when the scraper element is inserted, so that thesyringe barrel provides support to the fingers during removal of themixer element.

Unlike scraper member 52, which is connected to mixer element 30 priorto mixing and rotates together with the mixer element, scraper 152 doesnot rotate with the mixer element. Accordingly, when using a scraperelement of the general type shown in FIGS. 10-12, the scraper element isset aside until after mixing is complete. At that time, the scraperelement is inserted through hole 128. The mixer element is then removed,followed by removal of the scraper element and insertion of a plungerelement for use in dispensing material from within the syringe barrel.

Once again, it is to be emphasized that other alterations arecontemplated within the scope of the present invention. For example, themeans for venting air contained within the syringe barrel 22 could be asubstantially straight hole in place of the chevron-shaped hole of FIG.10, together with corresponding changes to the scraper element.

Yet another presently preferred embodiment of the present invention isillustrated in FIGS. 13 through 16. FIG. 13 illustrates a syringeassembly, designated generally at 10a, which can also be used fordispensing compositions, such as dental cements and bonding materials.Although syringe assembly 10a performs the same function as the previousembodiments, it differs in construction and is used in a slightlydifferent manner.

As is shown in FIG. 13, syringe assembly 10a includes a syringe barrel222 fitted with a plunger element 224 for delivery of material containedwithin the syringe barrel through a delivery tip (not shown). As withthe embodiment of FIG. 1, the delivery tip may be of any suitable designfor use in particular applications. As is further shown in FIG. 13,syringe assembly 10 also includes a piston means for advancing themulti-component composition within the barrel through the delivery tip,such as piston 230. Piston 230 is preferably cylindrical in shape,formed from an elastomeric rubber material and is sized so as to bereceived within syringe barrel 222 a in tight-fitting yet moveablemanner. Piston 230 further includes a means for venting air containedwithin the syringe barrel before the multi-component composition isdispensed, such as a vent hole 232. Vent hole 232 is formed completelythrough the center longitudinal portion of the piston 230, as is shownin the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15.

With continued reference to FIG. 13, formed at the distal end of plungerelement 224 is a tapered tip 234. The tapered tip 234 and the vent hole232 are sized such that, in combination with the elastomeric propertiesof the piston 230, the tapered tip 234 is capable of being received in asubstantially airtight fashion within the vent hole 232. When receivedwithin the vent hole 232, the plunger 224 and piston 230 assemblytogether can be used for delivery of material contained within thesyringe barrel through tip 226 in a conventional manner.

Unlike the syringe barrel 22 illustrated in FIG. 1, which has a hole 28formed therein as a means for venting air, syringe barrel 222 does nothave a hole formed in it. Instead, in the embodiment of FIG. 13, thevent hole 232 that is formed within the piston 230 acts as a means forventing air from within the syringe barrel after mixing and beforedelivery of material 232 contained within the syringe barrel 222 iscommenced. This insures that air bubbles are not present within themixed composition.

The manner by which air is vented from within the syringe barrel 222 isillustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. Once the various components have beenplaced within the syringe barrel 222 in the side-by-side manner, andthen mixed as described above, the piston 230 is separately insertedinto the syringe barrel 222. The distal end 236 of tapered tip 234 isthen placed on the top surface 238 of piston 230 in a manner so as toleave the vent hole 232 unobstructed, as is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.The plunger element 224 is then used to press against the piston 230 andthereby advance it through the syringe barrel 222, until the bottomsurface 240 of the piston 230 is in contact with material containedwithin the barrel 222.

As the piston 230 is advanced through the syringe barrel 222, any aircontained within the barrel is expressed through the piston's vent hole232. To insure that air is not entrained within the syringe barrel 222,the bottom surface 240 of piston 230 should be advanced right up to thepoint where the material (shown as 242 in FIG. 15) has been filledwithin the barrel 222. Further advancement of the piston 230 should beavoided at this point, so as to prevent material 242 contained withinthe barrel from being expressed through the vent hole 232.

By advancing the piston 230 in this manner, all air contained within thebarrel 222 will have been expressed, thereby avoiding the entrainment ofair bubbles during use of the syringe assembly 10a when dispensing thematerial. Having expressed the air, the syringe assembly 10a canthereafter be used as a conventional syringe, as is illustrated in FIG.16. Thus, when piston 230 is positioned against the material containedwithin the barrel 222, the tapered tip 234 is placed within the venthole 232 of the piston 230, thereby sealing the vent hole 232.Thereafter, syringe assembly 10a can be used to dispense of the materialthrough the delivery tip 226 by advancing syringe plunger 224 and piston230 assembly. Importantly, since the tapered tip 234 is received withinthe vent hole 232 in a substantially air-tight fashion, material doesnot leak through the vent hole 232 as pressure is created within thesyringe barrel 222 when the plunger 224 is advanced.

As will be appreciated, utilizing a vent hole 232 in combination withpiston 230 as a means for venting air from within the syringe barrel 222eliminates the need for forming a hole in the side of the syringe barrel(as is shown and described in connection with FIG. 1 above). As such,any required amount of material for a given application may be placedand mixed within the syringe barrel 222, and there is no longer the needto be concerned with whether the material will leak through a holeformed in the barrel, as discussed above in connection with theembodiment of FIG. 1. This eliminates the need for cutting hole 28 atthe time of use, or for providing previously prepared syringe barrelshaving holes in different locations for different applications.

From the foregoing, it may be seen that the present invention providesimproved methods and apparatus for mixing and dispensing multi-componentcompositions. Unlike conventional syringe-mixing systems, the presentinvention achieves rapid and thorough mixing while substantiallypreventing the entrainment of air bubbles in the mixed compositions.Further, by achieving the mixing within a syringe barrel, the methodsand apparatus of the present invention permit direct and easy dispensingof mixed materials.

It will be appreciated that the present invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from its spirit or essentialcharacteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of theinvention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by theforegoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by U.S. Patent is:
 1. A methodfor mixing at least two components so as to form a multi-componentcomposition, comprising the steps of:simultaneously placing, in aside-by-side orientation, a predetermined amount of the at least twocomponents into a dispensing barrel of a dispensing syringe; androtating a paddle member to mix the at least two components containedwithin the dispensing barrel of the dispensing syringe in a manner suchthat the mixing occurs simultaneously along the entire length of thedispensing barrel, thereby resulting in the multi-component composition.2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the placement step comprisesthe steps of:introducing a predetermined amount of each componentseparately into respective syringe barrels of a multi-syringe devicehaving a plurality of syringe barrels, wherein each syringe barrel has aplunger disposable therein and each barrel further has respective outputends that are oriented so as to be coextensive with one another; placingthe coextensive output ends within the dispensing syringe barrel; andinjecting the components into the dispensing syringe barrel from thecoextensive output ends by depressing each of the multi-syringeplungers, thereby resulting in the placement of the at least twocomponents within the dispensing syringe barrel in a side-by-sideorientation.
 3. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the mixing stepcomprises the steps of:inserting the paddle member into the dispensingsyringe barrel; rotating the paddle member within the dispensing syringebarrel so as to effect mixing of the components simultaneously along theentire length of the dispensing barrel; and removing the paddle memberfrom within the dispensing syringe barrel.
 4. A method as defined inclaim 1, further comprising a scraping step, wherein a scraper isutilized to remove the components from the surface of the paddle memberwhen the paddle member is removed from the dispensing syringe barrelafter the mixing step is complete so as to retain the components withinthe dispensing syringe barrel.
 5. A method as defined in claim 1,further comprising an air removal step following the mixing step,wherein air contained within the dispensing syringe barrel is removed soas to prevent the entrainment of air bubbles in the mixed composition.6. A method as defined in claim 5, wherein the air removal stepcomprises the steps of:placing a plunger piston into the dispensingsyringe barrel, the plunger piston having a vent hole formed therein;advancing the plunger piston through the dispensing syringe barrel up tothe mixed composition contained therein, whereby excess air containedwithin the syringe barrel is thereby displaced and vented through saidvent hole; and inserting a plunger element into the dispensing syringebarrel, the distal end of the plunger element being received within saidvent hole and forming a substantially air-tight seal so that thedispensing syringe barrel is sealed by the plunger piston.
 7. A methodas defined in claim 6, wherein the plunger piston is advanced throughthe dispensing syringe barrel by pressing on the piston with the distalend of the plunger element in a manner so as to not obstruct the venthole.
 8. A method for mixing at least two components so as to form amulti-component composition, comprising the steps of:introducing apredetermined amount of each component separately into respectivesyringe barrels of a multi-syringe device having a plurality of syringebarrels, wherein each syringe barrel has a plunger disposable thereinand each barrel further has respective output ends that are coextensivewith one another: placing the coextensive output ends within thedispensing syringe barrel: injecting the components into the dispensingsyringe barrel from the coextensive output ends by depressing each ofthe multi-syringe plungers, thereby resulting in the simultaneousplacement of a predetermined amount of the at least two componentswithin the dispensing syringe barrel in a side-by-side orientation:slowly retracting the coextensive output ends from within the distal endof the dispensing syringe barrel toward the proximate end of thedispensing syringe barrel to a predetermined fill-point, and wherein theretraction step occurs simultaneously with the injection step; andutilizing a paddle member to mix the at least two components containedwithin the dispensing barrel of the dispensing syringe in a manner suchthat the mixing occurs simultaneously along the entire length of thedispensing barrel, thereby resulting in the multi-component composition.9. A method as defined in claim 8, wherein each of the plungers of themulti-syringe device are simultaneously depressed while performing theinjection step.
 10. A method for mixing at least two components so as toform a multi-component composition, comprising the stepsof:simultaneously placing, in a side-by-side orientation, apredetermined amount of the at least two components into a dispensingbarrel of a dispensing syringe; inserting a paddle member into thedispensing syringe barrel; rotating the paddle member within thedispensing syringe barrel so as to effect the simultaneous mixing of thecomponents along the entire length of the dispensing syringe barrel andthereby resulting in the multi-component composition; removing thepaddle member from within the dispensing syringe barrel; and removingair from within the dispensing syringe barrel so as to prevent theentrainment of air bubbles in the mixed composition.
 11. A method asdefined in claim 10, wherein the placement step comprises the stepsof:introducing a predetermined amount of each component separately intorespective syringe barrels of a multi-syringe device having a pluralityof syringe barrels, wherein each syringe barrel has a plunger disposabletherein and each barrel further has respective output ends that areoriented so as to be coextensive with one another; placing thecoextensive output ends within the dispensing syringe barrel; andinjecting the components into the dispensing syringe barrel from thecoextensive output ends by depressing each of the multi-syringeplungers, thereby resulting in the placement of the at least twocomponents within the dispensing syringe barrel in a side-by-sideorientation.
 12. A method for mixing at least two components so as toform a multi-component composition, comprising the steps of:introducinga predetermined amount of each component separately into respectivesyringe barrels of a multi-syringe device having a plurality of syringebarrels, wherein each syringe barrel has a plunger disposable thereinand each barrel further has respective output ends that are oriented soas to be coextensive with one another; placing the coextensive outputends within the dispensing syringe barrel; injecting the components intothe dispensing syringe barrel from the coextensive output ends bydepressing each of the multi-syringe plungers, thereby resulting in thesimultaneous placement of a predetermined amount of the at least twocomponents within the dispensing syringe barrel in a side-by-sideorientation: slowly retracting the coextensive output ends from withinthe distal end of the dispensing syringe barrel toward the proximate endof the dispensing syringe barrel to a predetermined fill-point, andwherein the retraction step occurs simultaneously with the injectionstep; inserting a paddle member into the dispensing syringe barrel;rotating the paddle member within the dispensing syringe barrel so as toeffect the simultaneous mixing of the components along the entire lengthof the dispensing syringe barrel and thereby resulting in themulti-component composition; removing the paddle member from within thedispensing syringe barrel; and removing air from within the dispensingsyringe barrel so as to prevent the entrainment of air bubbles in themixed composition.
 13. A method as defined in claim 12, wherein each ofthe plungers of the multi-syringe device are simultaneously depressedwhile performing the injection step.
 14. A method as defined in claim13, further comprising a scraping step, wherein a scraper is utilized toremove the components from the surface of the paddle member when thepaddle member is removed from the dispensing syringe barrel after themixing step is complete so as to retain the components within thedispensing syringe barrel.
 15. A method as defined in claim 14, whereinthe air removal step comprises the step of:placing a plunger piston intothe dispensing syringe barrel, the plunger piston having a vent holeformed therein; advancing the plunger piston through the dispensingsyringe barrel up to the mixed composition contained therein, wherebyexcess air contained within the syringe barrel is thereby displaced andvented through said vent hole; and inserting a plunger element into thedispensing syringe barrel, the distal end of the plunger element beingreceived within said vent hole and forming a substantially air-tightseal so that the dispensing syringe barrel is sealed by the plungerpiston.
 16. A method as defined in claim 15, wherein the plunger pistonis advanced through the dispensing syringe barrel by pressing on thepiston with the distal end of the plunger element in a manner so as tonot obstruct the vent hole.
 17. A method for mixing at least twocomponents so as to form a multi-component composition, comprising thesteps of:simultaneously placing components to be mixed in side-by-sideorientation into a barrel of a dispensing syringe; inserting a paddlemember into the dispensing syringe barrel; rotating the paddle memberwithin the dispensing syringe barrel so as to effect mixing of saidcomponents; and utilizing a scraper to remove the components from thesurface of the paddle member when the paddle member is removed from thedispensing syringe barrel after mixing is complete, so as to retain thecomponents within the dispensing syringe barrel.
 18. A method as definedin claim 17, wherein the placement step comprises the stepsof:introducing a predetermined amount of each component separately intorespective syringe barrels of a multi-syringe device having a pluralityof syringe barrels, wherein each syringe barrel has a plunger disposabletherein and each barrel further has respective output ends that areoriented so as to be coextensive with one another; placing thecoextensive output ends within the dispensing syringe barrel; andinjecting the components into the dispensing syringe barrel from thecoextensive output ends by depressing each of the multi-syringeplungers, thereby resulting in the placement of the at least twocomponents within the dispensing syringe barrel in a side-by-sideorientation.
 19. A method for mixing at least two components so as toform a multi-component composition, comprising the steps of:introducinga predetermined amount of each component separately into respectivesyringe barrels of a multi-syringe device having a plurality of syringebarrels, wherein each syringe barrel has a plunger disposable thereinand each barrel further has respective output ends that are oriented soas to be coextensive with one another; placing the coextensive outputends within the dispensing syringe barrel; injecting the components intothe dispensing syringe barrel from the coextensive output ends bydepressing each of the multi-syringe plungers, thereby resulting in thesimultaneous placement of a predetermined amount of the at least twocomponents within the dispensing syringe barrel in a side-by-sideorientation; slowly retracting the coextensive output ends from withinthe distal end of the dispensing syringe barrel toward the proximate endof the dispensing syringe barrel to a predetermined fill-point, andwherein the retraction step occurs simultaneously with the injectionstep; inserting a paddle member into the dispensing syringe barrel;rotating the paddle member within the dispensing syringe barrel so as toeffect the simultaneous mixing of said components; utilizing a scraperto remove the components from the surface of the paddle member when thepaddle member is removed from within the dispensing syringe barrel aftermixing is complete, so as to retain the components within the dispensingsyringe barrel.
 20. A method as defined in claim 19, wherein each of theplungers of the multi-syringe device are simultaneously depressed whileperforming the injection step.
 21. A method as defined in claim 20,further comprising an air removal step, wherein air contained within thedispensing syringe barrel is removed so as to prevent the entrainment ofair bubbles in the mixed composition.
 22. A method as defined in claim21, wherein the air removal step comprises the steps of:placing aplunger piston into the dispensing syringe barrel, the plunger pistonhaving a vent hole formed therein; advancing the plunger piston throughthe dispensing syringe barrel up to the mixed composition containedtherein, whereby excess air contained within the syringe barrel isthereby displaced and vented through said vent hole; and inserting aplunger element into the dispensing syringe barrel, the distal end ofthe plunger element being received within said vent hole and forming asubstantially air-tight seal so that the dispensing syringe barrel issealed by the plunger piston.
 23. A method as defined in claim 22,wherein the plunger piston is advanced through the dispensing syringebarrel by pressing on the piston with the distal end of the plungerelement in a manner so as to not obstruct the vent hole.
 24. A methodfor mixing at least two components so as to form a multi-componentcomposition, comprising the steps of:(a) introducing a predeterminedamount of each component separately into respective syringe barrels of amulti-syringe device having a plurality of syringe barrels, wherein eachsyringe barrel has a plunger disposable therein and each barrel furtherhas respective output ends that are oriented so as to be coextensivewith one another; (b) placing the coextensive output ends within thedispensing syringe barrel in a manner so as to be disposed at a distalinterior end; (c) injecting the components into the dispensing syringebarrel by simultaneously depressing each of the multi-syringe plungersand simultaneously retracting the coextensive output ends from thewithin the distal end of the dispensing syringe barrel toward theproximate end of the dispensing syringe barrel to a predeterminedfill-point, thereby resulting in the placement of the at least twocomponents within the dispensing syringe barrel in a side-by-sideorientation; (d) inserting a paddle member into the dispensing syringebarrel; (e) rotating the paddle member within the dispensing syringebarrel so as to effect a simultaneous mixing of the components along thelength of the dispensing syringe barrel; (f) utilizing a scraper toremove the components from the surface of the paddle member when thepaddle member is removed from the dispensing syringe barrel so as toretain the components within the dispensing syringe barrel; and (g)removing air from within the dispensing syringe barrel so as to preventthe entrainment of air bubbles in the mixed composition by advancing aplunger piston, having a vent hole formed therein, through thedispensing syringe barrel up to the mixed composition contained therein,whereby excess air contained within the syringe barrel is therebydisplaced and vented through the vent hole.